In 2009, the Albion Record
company issued the first full recording of the Folk Songs of the Four Seasons (ALBCD010). The CD also included the
suite In Windsor Forest which was a
series of songs extracted from the opera Sir
John in Love. The performers include
The Choir of Clare College Choir, Cambridge, English Voices and the Dmitri
Ensemble conducted by David Willcocks
John Steane, reviewing the CD for
The Gramophone (November 2009),
writes that ‘A world-premiere recording of works by Vaughan Williams is surely
at this date something of a world event. The scope is modest, but the appeal of
such grace of spirit and mastery of means transcends such limitations.’ Although the choral forces on this disc do not
match the 3000 plus of the Albert Hall premiere, the ‘effect…is delightful.’
Steane notes that ‘the orchestrations have the unfailing touch of a composer
fully engaged in his task and the recording does full justice to the generous,
affectionate work…’
The appraisal by Rob Barnett on MusicWeb International (September 2009)
is extensive and imaginative. He begins by noting the fact that this is ‘an
almost completely unknown work’. He thinks it strange that the Folk Songs of the Four Seasons concludes
with ‘winter’ but understands that ‘it is largely Christmas that is celebrated
rather than the icy chill of mortality.’ As to the four Winter songs,
Barnett writes: ‘The Children's Christmas Song’ shows RVW's compassionate
humanity when he writes with touching effect of the poor children at Christmas
‘wandering in the mire’. Wassail Song has
the ale-jar clinking power of the John Barleycorn movement…In Bethlehem City is a silvery carol
cherishable for any Christmas watch service. The final section God Bless the Master has that
wonderful sense of journey done, homecoming summation and sky ascendant
victories. RVW writes with light in his pen and light shines through these
cleverly laid out and lovingly performed movements.’
Ronald E. Grames, writing in Fanfare (January/Febriary 2010) gave a
long, considered review of this work. He presented a brief history of its
genesis reminding readers that it posed a ‘unique practical challenge for the
composer. Vaughan Williams surmounted the limitations splendidly, alternating
and joining the large chorus of unison singers with a smaller chorus of those
capable of part singing and a select a cappella chorus.’ Not only was choral
writing successful, but the composer produced ‘a
sparkling orchestral accompaniment of bright, exuberant winds and dark
viola-rich strings…’ Finally, Grames sums up the work by suggesting that ‘the
cantata demonstrates Vaughan Williams's talent for sounding both
contemporary and nostalgically familiar while respecting the folk
originals in style and spirit.’
In
the same year (2009) Naxos issued an anthology of ‘seasonal music’ on a CD
entitled In Terra Pax (8.572102).
Included on this disc was the ‘Winter’ section of Folk Songs of the Four Seasons. The music is sung by the City of
London Choir accompanied by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra conducted by
Hilary Davan Wetton.
The CD was reviewed by Steve Schwartz for Classical
Net (June 2012). Schwartz writes that ‘I’d previously heard this in
churches at Christmas with piano accompaniment only, so it was a particular
pleasure to hear it with the orchestra.’ Finally, David Vernier Classics Today (November 2009) pointed
out the Naxos CD ‘program ends in grand style with Vaughan Williams’ ‘God bless
the Master’…You can’t help but be caught up in the joyful spirit that’s
apparent throughout all the performances on this disc, from the soloists and
accompanists to the choir and orchestra.’
From
my own perspective, Vaughan Williams has created a magical impression of
‘Winter’ as seen through the perspective of a traditional Christmas. It is a
well-written work that overcomes all possible technical obstacles. It is hard
to imagine that the Folk Songs of
the Four Seasons is not in the repertoire of choirs across the county. As
noted in the first part of this post, the work is an exploration of the Four
Seasons: there is no reason why any single ‘season’ cannot be excerpted as
appropriate to the time of year.
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